Springfield – Organizations and communities in the 53rd District who are interested in increased access to computer technologies and technology training are encouraged by State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac) to apply for grant funding through the state’s Bridging the Digital Divide Grant Program.
Rutherford explained that because employers are placing increasing emphasis on hiring people with computer skills and technological literacy, many individuals and communities that lack regular access to computers are often left at a disadvantage when applying for jobs.
Through the Digital Divide Grant Program the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) seeks to reduce those limitations by awarding grants to residents of Illinois’ low income communities in order to increase public access to computers and related technologies.
“Unfortunately there are many communities throughout Illinois that do not have access to computers and technology training,” said Rutherford. “Recognizing the important role that computer technology plays in today’s economy, the state created the Digital Divide Grant Program. To date, DCEO has issued 374 digital divide grants totaling more than $14 million to provide individuals and communities with access to these important technologies.”
The Department accepts applications from Community Technology Centers serving residents of eligible low-income communities. Community Technology Centers include public hospitals, libraries, park districts, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations. Additionally, the Community Technology Center must provide computer access and training to the public for at least 12 hours per week.
Communities that are eligible include those with more than 40% of the students who are eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the national school lunch program, as well as communities with more than 30% of the students who are eligible for free lunch under the national school lunch program.
Applications for the grant program are due March 17, 2006. To apply for the Digital Divide Grant Program interested parties can access the DCEO web site at http://www.illinoisbiz.biz/dceo/. Click on “Community Development” link located in the task bar on the left side of the screen, then click on “Technology,” then “Technology Grants & Programs,” and finally click on the “Eliminate the Digital Divide” link at the top of the page.
